From skin elasticity to ageing, collagen has been dubbed a must-have by beauty and wellness consumers. As a result, it’s swiftly evolved from buzzword to bathroom cabinet staple. But what exactly is it? In this blog, we explore what collagen is, where it’s naturally found in the body and why collagen supplements have grown in popularity within skin health conversations.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein, composed of amino acids. In fact, it's the most abundant one in our bodies. As reported by PubMed Central (PMC), it makes up 30% of the total protein in the human body. While it’s often associated with supple, youthful-looking skin, collagen serves a much broader purpose. Not only does it act as a structural framework that provides strength and flexibility to skin, bones, tendons, muscles and cartilage, but it contributes to maintaining healthy connective tissue throughout our systems. It’s for these very reasons collagen supplements have gained traction in discussions around skin hydration and health.
From TikTok’s ‘For You Page’ to Instagram’s Reels, social feeds are filled with doctors and clinical professionals talking about how amino acid profiles set this protein apart.
Are There Different Collagen Types, and Where Are They Located?
Altogether, there are 28 different types of collagen. However, when it comes to health and beauty Type I, II and III are the most commonly discussed.
- Type I: Also identified as 'Collagen I', this variety is present in skin – helping to provide structure and strength – bones and connective tissue. Type I makes up the vast majority of collagen in the body, with sources reporting it accounts for over 90% of all collagen modules.
- Type II: Primarily located in cartilage, Type II has more of a focus on joint conditions – and deficiencies are regularly explored in relation to joint pain. Notably, Type II collagen also occurs in the tissue that fills the eyeball behind the lens, known as the vitreous humor.
- Type III: Collagen type III is found in the skin, too – albeit in smaller amounts than type I collagen. Here, it helps to maintain skin elasticity and works in conjunction with type I and type II.
What Happens to Collagen as I Age?
As we get older, collagen production naturally declines. It’s produced by special cells called fibroblasts, which become less active over time. According to research, collagen levels begin to decrease from early adulthood at roughly a rate of 1.0 to 1.5% per year, with a range of dermatologists suggesting this gradual decline starts in the mid-20s age bracket.
There are additional lifestyle and environmental factors that could influence the development of collagen, too. For example, smoking, prolonged UV exposure – highlighting the importance of sun protection – and a diet low in supportive nutrients – such as vitamin C, which plays a role in collagen formation – may all compromise production.
Collagen Supplements
Alongside nutrients like vitamin C, many people are choosing to take collagen supplements as part of their wellness regimens to help support protein levels.
At Power Health, our two-a-day capsule collagen supplements are made with natural ingredients and come in an easy-to-swallow 400mg format, making it simple to incorporate into everyday supplement routines.
